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Press Release

10/10/2013

Contact: Chris Cate(850) 413-2842

TALLAHASSEE – Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today announced the arrest of Orlando Robles-Santana, 40, for allegedly claiming he was carjacked and then filing a fraudulent insurance claim for reimbursement of the car’s value.

“Auto insurance fraud drives up rates for all Floridians,” said CFO Atwater, “We will not stand by and let individuals like this steal the hard-earned money of honest Floridians.”

An investigation by the Florida Department of Financial Services’ Division of Insurance Fraud was initiated using information compiled by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. The investigation revealed that Robles-Santana reported his 2004 Jaguar sedan stolen after a supposed carjacking by two men in a pickup truck. He then filed a theft report and insurance claim for reimbursement of full value of the vehicle.

Nearly a year later, sheriff’s deputies found the vehicle during a routine inspection of a local salvage yard. The owner of the business explained that he knew Robles-Santana personally and he had asked him to watch after the vehicle while he was out of the country.

Robles-Santana was booked into the Duval County Jail awaiting bond. If convicted, he faces up to 5 years in prison.

Anyone with information involving suspected insurance fraud is asked to call 1-800-378-0445. Citizens who provide tips can remain anonymous. The Department of Financial Services to date has awarded almost $342,000 to more than 50 citizens as part of its Anti-Fraud Reward Program. The program rewards individuals up to $25,000 for information that directly leads to an arrest and conviction in an insurance fraud scheme.

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater, a statewide elected official, oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Atwater’s priorities include fighting financial fraud, abuse and waste in government; reducing government spending and regulatory burdens that chase away businesses and providing transparency and accountability in state spending.